The annual Grenache & Gourmet Festival is back in the McLaren Vale for another year, kicking off on Friday, September 20th. As one of the world’s best Grenache-growing regions, explore the stunning natural beauty (and the fantastic wine being produced) in this celebration of world-class Grenache wines and culinary expertise.
Events are set to be held at some of the most stunning wineries and venues across the region. From cosy long lunches and limited edition back-vintage wine-tasting opportunities to exclusive behind-the-scenes winery and vineyard experiences, there’s something for everyone.
The festival will be running from September 20th until October 7th, so we’ve curated a list of our top picks, and listed them by date!
Single Day Events
Alex Lloyd – Amazing Grenache
Aptly kicking off the Grenache & Gourmet Festival on International Grenache Day, Alex Lloyd will perform to an intimate audience at BigEasyRadio to celebrate ‘Amazing McLaren Vale Grenache’.
Best known for his breakthrough single “Amazing”, join Alex and the team at BigEasyRadio in celebrating the beginning of the festival. Alex will be live from 6pm.
Where: 11 Stonehouse Lane, Aldinga Beach, South Australia 5173
When: 2pm to 10:30pm, Friday September 20th
Cost: $50
For more information, click here.
Grenache & Gnocchi at Nick Haselgrove Wines
Indulge in rich tradition alongside Di Luggo & Co and Nick Haselgrove Wines, as they serve up authentic, generations-old Italian gnocchi in a truly unique setting.
Sip on their exceptional wines, available by the glass or bottle throughout the night, and even experience their new vintages of Blackbilly Old Vine Grenache and Blackbilly G.S.M.
Where: 13 Blewitt Springs Road, Mclaren Flat, South Australia 5171
When: 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Friday September 20th
Cost: $30
For more information, click here.
A Fireside Tasting at Ace of Trumps
Immerse yourself in the beauty of McLaren Vale and take an intimate journey through the Ace of Trumps Vineyard at Karrawatta. Gather around their spectacular fire pit, taking in panoramic views of the rolling vineyards, from the majestic Onkaparinga Hills down to the sparkling waters of Aldinga Bay.
During the tour, enjoy a glass of Ace of Trumps Bush Vine Grenache, grown with minimal trellising around the boundary of their dam. Additionally with your ticket taste a curated list of their McLaren Vale collection, and delicious coal-cooked snacks.
Where: 791 Chapel Hill Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 12pm to 3pm, Sunday September 22nd
Cost: $99
For more information, click here.
Grenache & Gourmet X Porchetta @ Oliver’s Taranga
Grenache & Gourmet have collaborated with Porchetta Party to bring together two of McLaren Vale’s best…
Enjoy Grenache made by Winemaker Corrina Wright and her family straight from their multi-generational vineyard. Combined with a delicious four-course meal prepared by local chef Todd Steele.
Where: Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards, 246 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 12:00pm to 4:00pm, Sunday September 29th
Cost: $150
For more information, click here.
‘Sip and Snap’ Experience
Red Poles, Heidi Who Photography and Samson Tall Wines have teamed up at Red Poles in the art gallery space for a ‘Sip and Snap Experience’.
Join Heidi as she guides you through the best options for composition, lighting and focus and the do’s and dont’s of photography. All whilst delving into an afternoon of food and fun.
Sip on a selection of grenache wines starting with a cocktail and then salivate as your taste buds savour Red Poles gourmet shared spread of local produce.
Where: 190 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Saturday October 5th
Cost: $99
For more information, click here.
Shingleback Grenache in the Deep South
Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the delights of the deep south, Grenache in hand. Enjoy the chilled-out tunes of blues, roots and New Orleans Jazz, presented by DJ Es’Ay, whilst dining on a BBQ feast, perfectly paired with ‘Best in Show’ flavours of the Shingleback Grenache family.
Where: Shingleback Cellar Door, 3 Stump Hill Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: Sunday October 6th
Cost: $65
For more information, click here.
Multi-Day Events
Chapel Hill Grenache and Jamon Masterclass
In the ultimate fusion of Spanish flavours and McLaren Vale Grenache, enjoy five distinct wines paired perfectly with South Australian small goods. The wines vary from a light, delicate chillable red to a flagship Old Vine hero.
This delightful experience might just transport you to a lazy afternoon in sunny Spain.
Where: Chapel Hill Winery, 874 Chapel Hill Rd, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 11:00am to 4:00pm, Friday September 20th to Sunday October 6th
Cost: $30
For more information, click here.
The Old Vine Magic at Beresford Estate
Head down to the Beresford Tasting Pavillion, and enjoy a complimentary tasting of the Beresford Emblem ‘Old Vine’ Blewitt Springs Grenache. Experience the magical flavour from the gnarly bush vines that are over 60 years old and grown in their estate vineyard.
Whilst you’re there, enjoy a glass of their old vine Grenache with a pizza of your choice. Bookings are essential!
Where: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Friday September 20th to Monday October 7th
When: Beresford Estate, 252 Blewitt Springs Road, Mclaren Flat, South Australia 5171
Cost: $35
For more information, click here.
Grenache Exploration Experience at Dandelion Vineyards
Throughout the festival, Dandelion Vineyards have put together an exclusive Grenache tasting experience in the Wonder Room. Dive into five Grenache and Grenache blends accompanied by delicious chef-prepared food morsels. This guided tasting is a great way to experience the variety.
Where: 191 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 11:00am to 6:00pm, Friday September 20th to Monday October 7th
Cost: $66
For more information, click here.
Custodians of Grenache Tasting at d’Arenberg
d’Arenberg is renowned for its dedication to preserving this exceptional varietal and Australia’s oldest Grenache vineyards. Tour the cube, whilst sampling six of d’Arenberg’s rich, complex, and age-worthy Grenache and learn about the history of Grenache at d’Arenberg.
Where: 58 Osborn Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 10:30am to 3:30pm, Friday September 20th to Monday October 7th
Cost: $30
For more information, click here.
Grenache Masterclass at Serafino Wines
Join expert Cellar Door manager, Steph Imer, and dive into the rich heritage of McLaren Vale’s signature grape, exploring the art of viticulture and winemaking with one of the region’s finest. Try award-winning wines and deepen your understanding and appreciation of this exquisite variety.
Where: 39 Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: 11:00am, Saturday, September 21st to Monday October 7th
Cost: $50
For more information, click here.
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